THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2482
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that providing access for residents to participate in the state legislative process is a basic right of citizenship in the State and should continue to be a priority. Ensuring equitable access to the legislative process for nearly four hundred fifty thousand residents on neighbor islands, as well as those in rural Oahu, is crucial to improving the functionality of the legislative process. With the rising costs of airfare, gas, and lodging, providing designated locations or state offices on neighbor islands and in rural Oahu where citizens can participate remotely in the legislative process will help reduce the financial burden of participation.

The purpose of this Act is to require the comptroller to identify certain state resources that can be utilized for telecommunication access to increase neighbor island and rural Oahu residents' participation in the state legislative process.

SECTION 2. (a) The comptroller shall identify state office buildings that are able to provide equitable telecommunication access to residents of the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui, and residents of rural areas of Oahu, and including residents with disabilities who live in those areas, to participate remotely in legislative hearings.

(b) The comptroller shall submit a report of the comptroller's findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Accounting and General Services; Comptroller; State Office Buildings; Telecommunications; Accessibility; Legislative Hearings; Report

Description:

Requires the Comptroller to identify state office buildings that can provide equitable telecommunication access to allow certain residents, including residents with disabilities, to participate remotely in legislative hearings. Requires a report to the Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.